Parliament of the United Kingdom facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
59th Parliament
Logo used since 2018
Type
Type	Bicameral
Houses	House of Lords House of Commons
History
Established	1 January 1801; 225 years ago (1801-01-01)
Preceded by	Parliament of Great Britain Parliament of Ireland
Leadership
Monarch	King Charles III Since 8 September 2022
Lord Speaker	The Lord Forsyth of Drumlean Since 2 February 2026
Speaker of the Commons	Sir Lindsay Hoyle Since 4 November 2019
Prime Minister	Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Since 5 July 2024
Leader of the Opposition	Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Since 2 November 2024
Structure
Seats	Lords: 777 Commons: 650
Lords political groups	Lords Spiritual      Bishops   (26) Lords Temporal HM Government      Labour Party   (178) HM Most Loyal Opposition      Conservative Party   (243) Other groups      Liberal Democrats   (96)      Democratic Unionist Party   (4)      Green Party   (1)      Plaid Cymru   (1)      Ulster Unionist Party   (2)      Independents   (6)      Non-affiliated   (35) Crossbench      Crossbenchers   (183) Presiding officer      Lord Speaker   ()
Commons political groups	HM Government      Labour Party   (404) HM Most Loyal Opposition      Conservative Party   (121) Other opposition      Liberal Democrats   (72)      Scottish National Party   (9)      Democratic Unionist Party   (5)      Reform UK   (5)      Green Party   (4)      Plaid Cymru   (4)      Social Democratic and Labour Party   (2)      Alliance Party   (1)      Traditional Unionist Voice   (1)      Ulster Unionist Party   (1)      Independents   (13) Presiding officer      Speaker   (1) Abstentionists      Sinn Féin   (7)
Elections
Commons voting system	First-past-the-post
Commons last election	4 July 2024
Commons next election	No later than 15 August 2029
Meeting place
Palace of Westminster City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom 51°29′58″N 0°07′29″W / 51.49944°N 0.12472°W / 51.49944; -0.12472

The Parliament of the United Kingdom is the main law-making body for the UK. It also makes laws for places connected to the UK, like the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories. Since 1999, some powers have been given to local parliaments in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. These local parliaments handle certain issues, but the UK Parliament still makes laws on big topics like defence and money.

Parliament meets in the historic Palace of Westminster in London. It has the final say on laws for the UK. Parliament has three main parts:

• The King
• The House of Lords
• The House of Commons

When these three parts work together to make laws, it's called the King-in-Parliament. The King usually follows the advice of the Prime Minister. The House of Lords can usually only delay new laws, not stop them completely.

The House of Commons is where elected representatives, called MPs, work. There are 650 MPs, each chosen by voters in their local area every five years or less. Most government ministers, including the Prime Minister, are MPs. This means they must answer to the House of Commons.

The House of Lords is the second part of Parliament. It has two types of members:

• Lords Temporal: These are mostly life peers, people chosen by the King (on the Prime Minister's advice) for their experience.
• Lords Spiritual: These are up to 26 bishops from the Church of England.

Before 2009, the House of Lords also acted as a top court. The UK Parliament is one of the oldest in the world. Its way of working, known as the Westminster system, has influenced many other countries.

A Look Back: Parliament's History

The UK Parliament has a long and interesting history. It grew from earlier parliaments in England and Scotland.

How the UK Parliament Began

The first big step was in 1707. The Parliament of England and the Parliament of Scotland joined together. This created the Parliament of Great Britain. Then, in 1801, the Parliament of Ireland also joined. This created the "Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland." Later, in 1927, its name changed to the "Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland." This happened after the Irish Free State became independent.

Parliament has always met in the Palace of Westminster in London. This historic building has been its home for centuries.

How Parliament Grew Stronger

In the early 1800s, the House of Lords had more power than the House of Commons. The way MPs were elected was also very old-fashioned. Some areas with very few voters, called "rotten boroughs," could elect MPs. Powerful lords often controlled these seats.

Over time, people wanted fairer elections. Movements like the Chartists peacefully asked for changes. They wanted:

• All men aged 21 and over to have the right to vote.
• Secret ballots to protect voters.
• MPs not needing to own property, so anyone could be elected.
• MPs to be paid, so working people could afford to serve.
• Fairer voting areas, so each MP represented a similar number of people.
• Elections every year.

Many of these ideas eventually became law. For example, the right to vote was slowly given to more people. By 1918, all men over 21 and women over 30 could vote. The Representation of the People Act 1928 then gave all adults over 21 the right to vote. The voting age was lowered to 18 in 1969.

Changes to the House of Lords

In the early 1900s, the House of Commons became much more powerful. The House of Lords tried to block a new budget in 1909. But the public supported the budget. This led to the Parliament Act 1911. This law stopped the Lords from blocking money bills. It also limited how long they could delay other laws.

More changes came in the 20th century. The Life Peerages Act 1958 allowed people to be appointed to the Lords for life. This meant they didn't pass their title down to their children. In 1999, most hereditary peers (those who inherited their titles) lost their automatic right to sit in the House of Lords. Now, only 92 hereditary peers remain, elected by the others.

In 2009, a new Supreme Court of the United Kingdom was created. This meant the House of Lords no longer acted as the UK's highest court.

How Parliament Works

The UK Parliament is the most powerful law-making body in the country. It has the final say on all laws.

The Monarch's Role

The King is a key part of Parliament. However, the King does not take part in debates or vote on laws. New laws need the King's final approval, called royal assent. This has not been refused since 1708 and is mostly a formality today.

The House of Lords: The Upper House

The House of Lords is also known as "The Right Honourable The Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament Assembled."

• Lords Spiritual are bishops from the Church of England.
• Lords Temporal are mostly life peers. These are people chosen by the King, usually on the Prime Minister's advice. They are often chosen for their experience in different fields.

The House of Lords debates and votes on most new laws. However, their power is limited. They can only delay a bill for up to one year. After that, the bill can become law without their agreement. The Lords also question government ministers and work in special committees. Before 2009, they also acted as the UK's highest court. This role now belongs to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.

The House of Commons: The Elected House

The House of Commons has 650 members, called MPs. Each MP is chosen by voters in a specific area, called a constituency. The election system used is called "First-past-the-post". This means the candidate with the most votes in each area wins. MPs usually serve for up to five years.

To form a government, a party needs to win at least 326 seats. If no party wins a majority, it's called a "Hung Parliament." In this case, parties might form a team, called a coalition, to get enough seats.

The House of Commons is the most powerful part of Parliament. It controls government spending and taxes. The Prime Minister and most government ministers are MPs. This means they must answer to the House of Commons. This happens during Prime Minister's Questions and in special committees.

The State Opening of Parliament

The State Opening of Parliament is a special yearly event. It marks the start of a new parliamentary year. The ceremony takes place in the House of Lords Chamber.

Leading 17th-century Parliamentarian John Hampden is one of the Five Members annually commemorated.

During the ceremony, a person called Black Rod is sent to summon the House of Commons. When Black Rod reaches the doors of the Commons Chamber, they are dramatically slammed shut. This act shows that the House of Commons is independent from the King. Black Rod then knocks three times on the closed doors. Only then are they allowed in to deliver the King's message. This tradition remembers a time in 1642 when King Charles I tried to arrest MPs in the Commons. This event helped lead to the English Civil War.

After the Commons arrive, the King reads a speech. This speech is written by the Prime Minister and the government. It explains the government's plans for new laws in the coming year. After the King leaves, each House discusses a special "dummy" bill. This is a symbolic act to show they can debate independently of the King.

Making Laws: The Legislative Process

Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords have a leader who guides their meetings. In the Commons, this leader is the Speaker. In the Lords, it's the Lord Speaker.

The Speaker of the House of Commons must be fair and not take sides. They only vote if there is a tie. The Lord Speaker, however, can vote like other members of the House of Lords.

How Votes Happen

When members vote on a topic, they can first shout "Aye!" (yes) or "No!" in the Commons. In the Lords, they shout "Content!" or "Not-Content!". If the result is unclear, or if members ask for it, a "division" (a recorded vote) takes place. Members walk into different lobbies (corridors) to have their votes counted.

Both Houses usually hold their meetings in public. Visitors can watch from special galleries.

How a Bill Becomes Law

Laws start as ideas called "bills." Any member of Parliament can introduce a bill.

• Government Bills are introduced by government ministers.
• Private Member's Bills are introduced by other MPs.

Most bills are "public bills," meaning they affect everyone. Bills go through several steps in each House:

• First Reading: This is a simple announcement of the bill.
• Second Reading: Members debate the main ideas of the bill. They can vote to reject it at this stage.
• Committee Stage: A small group of members (a committee) looks at the bill in detail. They can suggest changes.
• Report Stage: The whole House considers the changes suggested by the committee.
• Third Reading: The House votes on the final version of the bill.

Once a bill passes one House, it goes to the other. If both Houses agree on the exact same version, it goes to the King for royal assent. If the Houses disagree, the bill usually fails. However, the House of Commons can sometimes pass a bill even if the House of Lords rejects it, thanks to the Parliament Act 1911.

Special Rules for Money Bills

Bills about taxes or government spending are called "Money Bills." The House of Commons has special power over these. The House of Lords cannot introduce or change Money Bills. If the Lords don't pass a Money Bill within one month, the Commons can send it directly to the King for approval.

The King's approval, or royal assent, is the final step. The King always grants this approval. The last time a monarch refused was in 1708.

How Long Parliament Lasts

A Parliament usually lasts for up to five years. However, elections can happen sooner.

Starting a New Parliament

After a general election, the King officially calls for a new Parliament to begin. The House of Commons then elects its Speaker. All members of both Houses must take an oath of allegiance to the King. After these steps, the State Opening of Parliament takes place. The King's speech then sets out the government's plans for the year.

Ending a Parliament

A parliamentary year ends with a "prorogation" ceremony. A whole Parliament ends when it is "dissolved," usually for a general election. This happens automatically after five years, or if the Prime Minister asks the King to call an early election.

Passing of the Parliament Bill, 1911

Parliament and the Government

The UK Government must answer to the House of Commons. The King asks the leader of the party with the most support in the Commons to become Prime Minister. The Prime Minister and most government ministers are members of the House of Commons. This ensures they are accountable to the elected representatives.

Governments often have a strong majority in the House of Commons. This means they can usually pass the laws they want. However, MPs from the governing party can sometimes disagree and ask for changes to bills.

Holding the Government Accountable

Parliament controls the government in several ways:

• By passing or rejecting new laws.
• By making ministers answer for their actions.

Ministers must answer questions from MPs during "Question Time" and in special parliamentary committees.

If the government loses the support of the House of Commons, it might face a "Motion of No Confidence." If this motion passes, the Prime Minister must either resign or call a new general election.

Asking Questions in Parliament

Question Time is an important part of Parliament's work.

• In the House of Commons, Question Time happens for an hour from Monday to Thursday. There's a special "Questions to the Prime Minister" every Wednesday.
• In the House of Lords, half an hour is set aside each afternoon for questions.

MPs can also submit written questions to ministers. The answers are recorded and made public.

Parliament's Special Powers

Parliament has special powers and rights that help it do its job.

Parliamentary Privileges

Both Houses of Parliament have "privileges" (special rights). The most important is freedom of speech during debates. This means that what is said in Parliament cannot be questioned in any court outside Parliament.

Another privilege is freedom from arrest for civil matters during a parliamentary session. This helps members focus on their duties without unnecessary interruptions.

Parliament can also punish actions that disrespect it, known as "Contempt of Parliament."

The Portcullis: Parliament's Emblem

Beaufort Portcullis badge of the Tudors

The official symbol of Parliament is a crowned portcullis. A portcullis is a strong gate that used to protect castles. This symbol was first used by English noble families and then by the Tudor kings. It became strongly linked with the Palace of Westminster after a fire in 1512.

When the Palace was rebuilt after another fire in 1834, the portcullis was used everywhere as a decoration. By the early 1900s, it became the accepted emblem for both Houses of Parliament. You can see it on official papers, publications, and even on items like cutlery in the Palace. Different shades of red are used for the House of Lords and green for the House of Commons.

Parliament in the Media

The Parliamentary Press Gallery

Since 1803, a special area in the House of Commons has been set aside for newspaper reporters. In the 1870s, a list was made of reporters allowed to be in the Members' Lobby.

Broadcast Media

All public events in Parliament are broadcast live online at parliamentlive.tv. This website also has an archive of past events. There is also an official YouTube channel. In the UK, the BBC has a dedicated channel, BBC Parliament, which shows live coverage from the House of Commons, House of Lords, and the devolved parliaments.

Images for kids

• 

  A print of the Palace of Westminster before it burnt down in 1834.

• 

  Victoria Tower in London.

• 

  Henry Addington in state robes, painted in 1797–98.

• 

  The impeachment of Warren Hastings in 1788.

• 

  The Palace of Westminster, where Parliament meets.

See Also

In Spanish: Parlamento del Reino Unido para niños